Each release from saxophonist William Gagliardi is an event. Why?
Not only are his recorded appearances infrequent, but also the invigorating,
joyous milieu is sure to set the proceedings apart from others. Hear
and Now, Gagliardi's third release as a leader, contains the
elements that one has come to expect from Gagliardi: A passionate,
sometimes fierce, sometimes introspective atmosphere, yet one that
comes across as full of charm where exclamations of encouragement
from Gagliardi, even mid-solo, are not out of the question. To further
emphasize the point, Gagliardi's delivery frequently is peppered
with his own vocalizations; an "oomph" here and an "awww"
there that also add to the drama.

For those keeping score, Hear and Now is the companion to Gagliardi's
previous CIMP release, Nhlahla. Like its predecessor, this record
draws from two days in the Spirit Room and features a quintet that
includes trumpeter John Carlson, guitarist Ken Wessel, bassist Dave
Hofstra and drummer Lou Grassi. One interesting item of note is the
manner of the record's sequencing, with essentially one half
that includes fierce, yet more straightforward ventures, mixed with
a second half that focuses on openness. As for the mixture of stylistic
considerations, Gagliardi's penchant for witty song titles is
again on display, while the tracks follow bop, post-bop, all-out romps
and improvised terrains with varying degrees of melodic progression.

First up is the drolly-titled "Soul Ain't Got No Bones",
which begins with Hofstra's rapid, loping bass line that guides
the ensemble through various meter shifts. Carlson is out of the gate
first, with a brassy, yet even-keeled charge that contrasts with Gagliardi,
whose Hendersonian surges flow freely over Hofstra and Grassi's
rhythms. After this swinger, "Forgettaboutit" follows
suit and references Miles' "Milestones", replete
with Grassi's rim shots on four. As on most of the tracks here,
Wessel is a bit of an unsung hero, whether blitzing tasty comps behind
the soloists or working as a catalyst for Gagliardi, whom he inspires
to engage in a brilliantly electric call and response.

The spiritual "Surfin' The Tigris" follows, living
up to its appellation as a sinuous venture and vibrant feature for
Gagliardi's soprano work that flows soundly. Ultimately, the
first section is rounded out by Gagliardi's ode to Coltrane,
"Where Is Trane", which hints at "Impressions".
Carlson leads off with an emotionally charged performance that pushes
Gagliardi to take up the mantle and run with it. As always, Grassi,
an incredibly dynamic presence, coaxes and fuels the proceedings,
with this cut being quite exemplary of his mastery of this faction
of drumming art.

While the second half features thematic material, time is a less static
force and shifting strategies are the norm. Take "They Is You",
for example. What commences as a fluid, restrained piece eventually
erupts into a tempestuous journey where Gagliardi goes full tilt.
A pensive dance, "Wu Wei Baby" shows Gagliardi and crew
looking inwards for a divine melodic journey while Grassi's
stirring rhythms undulate beneath. The group concluded the two-day
sessions and fittingly, this disc with "Exultation", presenting
the collective at its most forceful. Perhaps inspired by late-period
Trane, the entire quintet bounces around the room, in tandem and with
the goal of going out with a bang.

Like Gagliardi's other releases, this disc draws you in right
away and keeps delivering even after you've heard it many times.
One wonders if there is more on the horizon and if so, how long will
we have to wait? Well, we'll just have to be patient...